Silica aerogel is the ultimate thermal insulator thanks to its record-breaking low conductivity (λ), open porosity and hydrophobicity. aerogel's lowest at intermediate densities (ρ ≈ 0.11 g/cm3) and, because of strong, power-law dependence E modulus on density, this rather density so far led moduli. Even with polymer reinforcement, increasing stiffness only possible higher thus conductivity. This paper explores synthesis silica granules using ambient pressure drying provide enhanced...

Abstract The mass production and disposal of non‐degradable fossil‐based plastics is responsible for alarming environmental social issues when not managed responsibly. Towards manufacturing environmentally‐friendly materials, biopolymers , that is, polymers synthesized by living organisms, emerge as promising sustainable alternatives they combine attractive mechanical properties, compostability, renewable sourcing. In this review, we analyze the structural properties three most studied...

The increasing consumption of nonrenewable materials urgently calls for the design and fabrication sustainable alternatives. New generations should be derived from renewable sources, processed using environmentally friendly methods, designed considering their full life cycle, especially end-of-life fate. Here, we review recent advances in developing polymers biological matter (biomatter), including progress extraction utilization bioderived monomers polymers, as well emergence produced...

Abstract Since the 1950s, 8.3 billion tonnes (Bt) of virgin plastics have been produced, which around 5 Bt accumulated as waste in oceans and other natural environments, posing severe threats to entire ecosystems. The need for sustainable bio‐based alternatives traditional petroleum‐derived is evident. Bioplastics produced from unprocessed biological materials thus far suffered heterogeneous non‐cohesive morphologies, lead weak mechanical properties lack processability, hindering their...

Eleftheria Roumeli and Samantha L. Kristufek introduce the Materials Advances themed collection on advancements in high-performance sustainable polymers: from bio-derived monomers to dynamic materials.

Abstract An approach to scalable surface-drifting buoys is needed enable the high spatial and temporal resolution of oceanographic data that science meteorological communities are asking for. With number active predicted increase by a factor 100 or more, impact on environment becomes even more important. Here, we present pathway sustainable generation buoys. We identify main criteria be used when developing such low cost, with reliable neutral positive environmental impact. For each buoy...

Biochars, produced via pyrolysis, are gaining attention in applications ranging from soil amendments to energy storage and environmental remediation. While lignocellulosic biochars woody biomass well studied, algal remain comparatively overlooked despite offering diverse organic inorganic content that may broaden their applications. This study investigates how pyrolysis temperature oxidative pretreatment affect the structure properties of derived two macroalgae, Ulva expansa Sargassum sp.,...

A systematic investigation of the factors influencing notable enhancement mechanical and thermal properties nanodiamonds (NDs)-reinforced cross-linked high density polyethylene (PEX) is presented in this work. The effects crystal structure molecular conformation as well filler dispersion adhesion with matrix were found to govern final composites. considerable increase strength, toughness, elastic modulus materials was for composites content below 1 wt %. For higher NDs concentrations,...

BCNPs prepared from a kombucha co-culture can serve as sustainable delivery platform for protein-based drugs. The amorphous nanoparticles form mesh-like fibrillar network that is thermally stable and be produced at scale.

Novel poly(butylene succinate) (PBSu) nanocomposites containing 5 and 20 wt% mesoporous strontium hydroxyapatite nanorods (SrHNRs) silica nanotubes (SiNTs) were prepared by melt-mixing. A systematic investigation of the thermal stability decomposition kinetics PBSu was performed using pyrolysis-gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy (Py-GC–MS) thermogravimetry (TG). Thorough studies evolving compounds along with isoconversional model-fitting analysis mass loss data led to proposal a mechanism...

In this work, the synthesis, structural characteristics, interfacial bonding, and mechanical properties of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) nanocomposites with small amounts (0.5, 1.0, 2.5 wt %) amino-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (f-MWCNTs) prepared by ring-opening polymerization (ROP) are reported. This method allows creation a covalent-bonding zone on surface nanotubes, which leads to efficient debundling therefore satisfactory dispersion effective load transfer in nanocomposites....

Abstract With material consumption increasing, the need for biodegradable materials derived from renewable resources becomes urgent, particularly in popular field of 3D‐printing. Processed natural fibers have been used as fillers 3D‐printing filaments and slurries, yet reports utilizing pure biomass to 3D‐print structures that reach mechanical properties comparable synthetic plastics are scarce. Here, we develop characterize slurries extrusion‐based comprised unprocessed spirulina varying...

Significance The development of novel degradable biocomposites can contribute to answering the increasing global demand for sustainable materials. We present a method obtain self-bonded biocomposite materials from cultured plant cells. Subjecting cells cold-compression molding process creates hierarchical that have stiffness and strength comparable commodity plastics, while being 100% biodegradable in soil. Introducing fillers expands attainable functionalities, demonstrating versatility...

The biosynthesis of bacterial cellulose (BC) is significantly influenced by the type carbon source available in growth medium, which turn dictates material’s final properties. This study systematically investigates effects five sources—raffinose (C18H32O16), sucrose (C12H22O11), glucose (C6H12O6), arabinose (C5H10O5), and glycerol (C3H8O3)—on BC production Komagataeibacter hansenii. varying molecular weights structural characteristics these sources provide a framework for examining their...

The incorporation of carbon-fixing materials such as photosynthetic algae in concrete formulations offers a promising strategy toward mitigating the concerningly high carbon footprint cement. Prior literature suggests that introduction up to 0.5 wt % chlorella biological matter (biomatter) ordinary Portland cement induces retardation composite cement's strength evolution while enabling long-term compressive comparable pure at lower footprint. In this work, we provide insights into...